Posts Tagged ‘humidity and carpet’

Carpet delamination means the secondary backing separates from the primary backing and air gets between the two layers. This condition can be manufacturing, installation, maintenance or consumer related. The minimum standard for lamination strength is 2.5 pounds. Sometimes the latex compound formula has the wrong proportions. Then the glue will not cure properly. If it is too moist, the glue is weak. If it is too dry, normal traffic in your home turns the compound to powder; then the carpet will wrinkle and delaminate.

Thin latex makes the carpet feel soft before it delaminates. Getting a carpet too wet by improper cleaning or flooding also breaks down the latex. Spilling nail polish remover, oil, or other contaminants will cause delamination in small areas. Unsealed seams can cause a carpet to separate and delaminate along these cut edges. (more…)

Carpet buckling occurs when a carpet loses its stretch and wrinkles develop. It can happen because of poor latexing, improper stretching, a soft pad, excess humidity, improper cleaning, or rolling furniture or equipment. Puckers around doorways and wrinkles in the traffic areas are sure signs of buckling.

Poor Latexing

Just as poor latexing leads to weak tuft bind, it can cause a carpet to lose its stretch. Brittle, powdery, or thin latex will make a carpet too flexible and make it impossible to lay tight. If the latex application is not strong enough to bind the primary and secondary backings together, the carpet delaminates. Air gets trapped between the two layers and you’ll see bubbles and buckles. When this happens along a seam, the seam opens up. You can stick your fingers between the two backings. When it happens in the center of the room, the carpet will bunch up when you vacuum. You can easily lift the carpet several inches from the floor. (more…)

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Meet Your Flooring Expert

Glenn Revere is a nationally recognized Carpet Inspector who has dedicated his life to the study, maintenance, and sales of carpets. He specializes in carpet, laminate, hardwood, and engineered flooring. Glenn consults for individuals, manufacturers, and installers.